On the initiative of the RA NA deputies Mary Galstyan and Arusyak Manavazyan, on October 4, a regular work debate on the Law on Responsible Treatment of Animals and the related draft laws was held in the Parliament. The RA Deputy Minister of Economy Tatevik Sargsyan, the Head of the Food Safety Department Melanya Karapetyan, the Head of the Legal Acts Expertise Agency of the Ministry of Justice Emil Margaryan took part in the debate. The MPs touched upon the main positions of the relevant executive departments, particularly the Ministries of Justice and Economy, the remarks and proposals regarding the proposed regulations. An agreement was reached on the main issues and an arrangement to make appropriate amendments in the draft.
The MP Meri Galstyan noted that the successful experience of a number of countries was studied, according to which the solution to the problem of stray animals, in particular, dogs, was possible in the mentioned countries only in case of complex and multi-faceted legislative, sub-legislative solutions, institutional tools and phased implementation. The MP underlined the importance of having legislation in line with the international best practice and basic humanitarian principles of animal welfare.
The MP, the co-author of the drafts Arusyak Manavazyan added that the solution to the problem of stray animals is very relevant, especially in the regions, referring to the statistical data received from various institutions regarding the damage caused by stray animals and the health costs caused by them.
The Head of the Legal Support and Service Division of the National Assembly Mari Stepanyan presented the amendments to some legal regulations in response to the observations of the executive body.
According to the debated and agreed points, appropriate amendments will be made in the package of drafts.